West End Wellness
Louise Sylvester visited Stretched – the first assisted stretching studios in Glasgow – to discover how this innovative space is helping clients improve mobility, enhance flexibility and move with greater ease, all in the pursuit of feeling better in both body and mind…
Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved the feeling of a good stretch. Mornings aren’t quite right until I’ve moved through a few cat-like poses to open up my body for the day ahead. As a young dancer, stretching was a daily ritual – usually in pursuit of that holy grail: the splits (in all directions, of course). It was a lesson in perseverance, and while I’ve long since given up the nightly quest for box splits, I’ve never let go of the idea that stretching matters – especially now I am approaching middle age.
So when I heard about Stretched, a new assisted stretching studio in the West End, I was intrigued. Based in Woodlands, the studio offers something we rarely give time to: targeted, one-to-one stretching designed to improve mobility, flexibility and overall movement.
Movement and Mobility
Stretched is the creation of Craig McHugh, a physiotherapist who has worked with everyone from NHS patients to professional athletes in football, boxing and rugby. His years of experience led him to a realisation: we’re overlooking mobility. He told me: “So many of us are living with tightness, reduced range of motion, or discomfort – not because we lack motivation, but because we don’t know how to stretch properly or safely.”
After launching a number of successful physiotherapy clinics across Scotland, Craig saw a gap in the market for something different – a space focused purely on movement and mobility. And so Stretched was born. To ensure the highest standard of care, Craig also created the Stretched Academy, an in-house training programme that all stretch therapists complete before working with clients.
The studio itself is beautiful – with soft lighting and full-length mirrors lining the open-plan space. Each of the four beds is spaced with care, so although it’s a shared room, it feels relaxed and private. It’s got that polished, wellness aesthetic that instantly puts you at ease.
Assessment
My session began with a Kinotek assessment in the studio’s ‘Functional Movement Lab’. Using cutting-edge motion analysis technology, this assessment provided an insight into my range of motion, flexibility and overall mobility. From these results my therapist, Danna, was able to work out what stretches to focus on, it was interesting to see that the areas of my body that showed up as being ‘tight’ in this assessment were proven to be just that when the session began. Clever stuff indeed!
Danna is a former competitive gymnast who really knows her stuff – a qualified Sports Therapist currently pursuing a BSc in Sports Rehabilitation she is also a massage therapist and specialises in assisted stretching. A firm believer in the transformative power of movement, she made the whole experience smooth and unintimidating – calmly talking me through each movement, what I could expect, asking me to speak out when the stretch was at its limit and reminding me (often) to let her do the work!
That’s the trick, by the way: you have to surrender to your therapist. Fully. Let go of tension and allow them to move your body for you. It was surprisingly difficult at first, I kept trying to help, instinctively pushing into the stretch. Danna reassured me this is very common and that it does get easier over time.
Therapeutic
The session itself was incredibly therapeutic, I think (for me) even more so than a massage. Unlike a massage, where my mind tends to wander, here I was fully present. I had to be. Danna kept me grounded by explaining what was coming next and checking in regularly to ensure we were hitting the right intensity. There was no space for intrusive thoughts and my experience reminded me of the mental clarity you get from taking a cold-water dip – a total mind reset.
Speaking of cold water, the studio also boasts a contrast therapy suite which combines the therapeutic effects of heat and cold, with the use of cold plunge pools and infrared sauna. I didn’t get a chance to use the suite on this visit – but I intend to return to experience what it has to offer. It certainly looks the part – with ambient lighting and a spa-like quality to the space, I can see why it has already proved popular with locals.
The Result
But back to the stretching. By the end of my session, I felt lighter, looser and genuinely uplifted in both body and mind. Muscles that had felt tight or tense were lengthened and relaxed, and I left with a new appreciation for just how powerful stretching can be when done right. It was a little reminder to myself that while I might not feel the need to do the splits anymore, I do want to be able to run injury free and get the most out of my gym sessions and stretching can really help keep both those things ‘on track’.
Whether you’re a runner, gym-goer, or someone simply feeling a little stiff from daily life, Stretched offers something unique. It’s not just about flexibility – it’s about moving better, feeling better and learning to let go. So why not give it a go for yourself?
“‘One on One’ assisted stretch is the ultimate recovery experience. From head to toe, our expert Stretch Therapists will take your stretch game to the next level, offering a more controlled and deeper stretch than you could achieve on your own. By identifying areas of tension, our stretch therapist will customise your dynamic stretch to help improve flexibility and range of movement.” Stretched
Stretched
140-142 Woodlands Road,
Glasgow G3 6LF
0141 378 9472
For more information about stretching studios in Glasgow, visit –
